If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

I got some seatbelts from a junk yard because they were cheap. They are very heavy, so I tried cutting them in half lengthwise by melting them with the tip of a soldering iron. It was very slow, difficult work, and the exposed (melted) edge was, indeed, pretty jagged. Nevertheless, they work, and I believe they are plenty strong. I don't think it was worth the effort. I still use them occasionally for backyard testing, though.

My first set of "real" treestraps were made from a long "winch the boat onto the trailer" strap. Poly seatbelt material that started at about 20 feet long or so. Cut it in half, tied a bowline knot in each end of both pieces. They still work just fine now even though I have a strapworks setup. When I'm lounging in the backyard I use them to add a little extra protection to the bark of my trees. A full turn around the tree, and hook my suspension caribiner through both loops. I might be a little paranoid, but I value my trees quite a bit. I'd do the same thing in parks, and state parks also. More wraps around the tree spreads the force over a wider area. (my theory anyway)
I would not split it down the middle to make it thinner.